FAYETTEVILLE -- The Arkansas Lady Razorbacks hosted Southwest Missouri State in a softball doubleheader on Wednesday in Lady'Back Yard. Arkansas came away with a 4-0 shutout in game one behind a strong pitching performance by sophomore Heather Schlichtman. The Lady'Backs pounded out ten hits and Schlichtman struck out ten batters, without a walk, to take the nonconference victory.
In the second game, Arkansas rallied in the 10th inning for a 4-3 win with senior Rachel Talley and freshman Valanna Lyons sharing time on the hill. The wins put Arkansas at 34-22-1 heading into a big Southeastern Conference series this weekend with Mississippi State. The series will be the final home stand for the season. SMS goes to 20-22 on the season.
"I was very happy with Heather's performance," said Arkansas coach Carie Dever-Boaz. "She has been a little under the weather today, but I thought that she did a good job. I was happy with our offense. I thought that we did a good job. We put down bunts when we needed them and the whole bit. Anytime that we can get in double-digits hitting I'm real excited."
Arkansas scored a run in the first inning when Tiffany Woolley and Blaire Woodward got back-to-back base hits to start the game. Julie Young sacrificed to move the runners and Kim Eiben singled to score Woolley.
The Lady'Backs jarred SMS pitcher Tauni Kennemer with three more runs on five hits in the fifth inning to wrap up the scoring. Andy Wharton singled to the left side and Woolley blasted a single to center. A Woodward bunt resulted in an infield hit. Wharton scored on a throwing error by the Bears' pitcher. Danica White blasted a double down the left field line scoring Woolley and Woodward.
"I thought Tiffany Woolley made some good plays defensively," said Dever-Boaz. "Julie Young did a great job at second base. It wasn't always pretty but she put her nose in there and that's all we can ask for right now."
Woolley was 2-4 at the plate and scored twice. Woodward also hit 2-4 in the game. Eiben was 2-3 and added two RBIs.
The Lady'Backs came from behind in dramatic fashion in the second game. Trailing 2-0 in the bottom of the seventh inning, Woodward singled to the pitcher with one out.
Junior Julie Young followed up with a double down the left line plating a speedy Woodward from first base.
